Most of the difference between a *photographer* and a *newborn photographer* is POSING. Every professional knows their camera settings but newborn photographer knows how to pose and lit your baby to show his/her tiny features, and do it safely. As always, practice makes perfect: you need to hold babies in your hands at least every other day.
In my photographs, I love the baby to be peaceful and relaxed, and I do my best to show their little fingers/toes/lashes/rolls. Newborns do not have enough muscle control, and if not completely relaxed -- they look a bit tense, sometimes even cross-eyed. I spend a lot of time during my sessions to perfect the pose. That's why newborn sessions take around 3 hours, and most of it is spent posing rather than photographing.
Newborn Photography Sessions. Preparation and What to Expect
I usually recommend scheduling newborn photo session within the first 10 days after your delivery. At this age babies sleep better, don't have baby acne yet, and are not alert: they do not mind me moving them from pose to pose, and most importantly -- they are still tiny, and yes, you guessed it -- they do grow very fast. Literally :).
In a few words, the sleepy and full baby is the key to success. In order to have the most successful photo session possible, please read and adhere to the following tips:
The studio is kept at 80-85°F (27-30°C) for baby’s comfort while they are nude, and the usual session lasts 2-3 hours. Please dress accordingly, be comfortable and avoid overheating.
Schedule baby's feeding about 30 minutes before arriving so that your baby will fall asleep on your way to the studio.
Please dress baby in comfortable loose-fitting clothes that either button up or zip to avoid disturbing while dressing/undressing. Loose clothes will also prevent marks on the baby’s skin. No onesies or socks, please (they leave skin marks as well).
Please bring the pacifier, it helps a lot during the session, especially between poses. Even if your baby doesn't usually take it, please bring one anyway!
I may spend a lot of time getting every little finger and toe positioned perfectly when photographing your little bundle. Your baby should feel comfortable and peaceful and this will show in the photographs. It may seem at times like we are moving at a very slow pace, and you may think that we are running out time. Please feel free to talk with me about your feelings. Keep in mind that babies cooperate better in the stress-free and relaxed environment.
Babies cry, poop, pee, spit-up and do lots of other fun things. I am used to it! I know specific techniques to soothe the baby when he/she is crying. I will hand the baby over should they be truly upset, and I will trust your parental instincts too! Do not worry about my blankets or backdrops involved in messy accidents. This is part of life and is absolutely normal. All my blankets and props are washed after each session with hypoallergenic and dye-free detergents.
I don’t always have an assistant available, so I may need a little help.
The typical session lasts around 3 hours. If siblings and parents are participating it may take a little longer but I always try not to keep families in my newborn studio for longer than 3 hours.
But above all, remember that this is your baby’s first-ever photo shoot. Enjoy and have fun! Time does fly and you will be glad that you captured these very first moments :)
It's never too early to schedule your newborn session! Please reach me at [email protected] or better yet -- call me at 508-265-8269. I would love to chat with you and schedule a free in-studio consultation.
The full cost of the newborn session is comprised of 2 parts: booking fee and package fee. The booking fee covers the studio, Polina's talent and time and is due at booking time. The collection fee covers the actual product you get and is due at the ordering appointment.
Booking Fee is $300 and includes 3-hour newborn session, styling, props and outfits. Siblings and parents are always welcome and there are no additional fees for grandparents! Collections start at $790 and include beautiful archival printed images and digital files.
